Why lithium (LiFe04) batteries are not a good idea on older bikes. Investigated on XRV750.

[MotoRevive]

After fitting a brand new LiFe04 battery into my 1996 Africa Twin a few weeks ago, I was left stranded at a campsite in Wales last week on day one of a bike trip.

My stator was old and definitely tired, but still. I was disappointed.

The battery was down to 2v when the ignition system finally gave up on me.

So I decided that I wasn't going to let this happen again. Especially as I'm heading to Norway on it next month.

This week I've fitted a brand new British built stator, a new MOSFET reg/rect and a Yuasa Lead acid battery. With all new direct to battery wiring. A whole new charging system.

I have also fitted a continuous Bluetooth battery monitoring system. And today was the first opportunity for a decent test ride.

A Life04 battery needs at least 14v to charge. Ideally 14.4-14.6.

And today, even on the motorway I can barely get to 14.2. If I have my headlights on, then 13.9 is the average.

But most of the day, I hover around 13.8.

That's fine for lead acid battery. But not what a LIfe04 needs.

So even with a new charging system, a lithium battery is not a smart upgrade for many people. Even though the 6kg weight saving was lovely.

I've ordered some LED headlights and I will repeat the experiment. But Ive already done the maths.

 

[DJ123]

Yep. They are fussy buggers and need a bit more care than a good old AGM.

 

[Pukmeister]

One of the reasons I fitted a Hybrid AGM/Lithium battery with its own inbuilt battery management system. Massive cranking power without the charging dramas of lithium-only cells.

 

[MotoRevive]

One of the reasons I fitted a Hybrid AGM/Lithium battery with its own inbuilt battery management system. Massive cranking power without the charging dramas of lithium-only cells.

Can you tell which model battery you're working with here ?

How's the weight saving?

My LiFe04 also has a management system. But it's the lack of charging oooomph in older bikes that's the problem.

 

[Pukmeister]

I have a Motobatt Hybrid on my 1250GSA, not cheap at £140+ but I need reliability/dependability after the fiasco that was the stock offering from BMW.

Weight saving?? Who cares, it’s a GSA.

 

[MotoRevive]

I just looked up the specs for the battery that would fit in mine. The stats are insane.

I've had poor experience with standard yellow Motobatts in the past. But perhaps I'll look into these.

 

[Doc]

I have a Motobatt Hybrid on my 1250GSA, not cheap at £140+ but I need reliability/dependability after the fiasco that was the stock offering from BMW.

Weight saving?? Who cares, it’s a GSA.

No issues with mine on the Harley after your recommendation.

 

[MotoRevive]

Update.

I just fitted some Osram Night breaker LED bulbs. Apparently road legal. £120

I can now maintain a steady 14.3v on idle. Even with heated grips on full and lights fully on.

That's enough to maintain a Life04.

If you do the workings out, 110W (two bulbs) draw nearly half the current of the stator.

A massive 9 amps. Why Honda fit such a weedy 220W stator in the first place is a mystery. The replacement might not even be as good as that too.